Analisa’s Triumph - Katy Texas Teen Winning Battle Against Cancer

Last fall, Analisa Valdivia, 14, was cheering for the Beckendorff Junior High football team dressed as the school mascot– a bear. It was her last year in junior high and she was having the time of her life. The busy teen was involved in numerous activities including volleyball, acting, swimming, Girl Scouts and National Charity League. When Analisa’s mom, Barbara, noticed random bruises on her daughter’s arms and bleeding gums, she had the uneasy feeling that something was wrong. A visit to the doctor revealed the shocking diagnosis no parent or child is ever prepared to hear. Leukemia. With her parents by her side, Analisa spent 36 days at Texas Children’s Hospital undergoing aggressive treatments and procedures, all the while wearing the brave face of a warrior. “It wasn’t that bad,” says Analisa looking back.

“Life changed overnight, and we got a new perspective,” explains mom Barbara.
“Like a lot of people, we never thought it could happen to us.”

Friends Rally Around
Unable to attend school or stay involved in her activities for several months, Analisa and her family felt extremely isolated at first. Soon, friends and supporters rallied around them. Analisa’s old friends Jennifer and Jamie as well as new friends Tara and Sarah remained close. Analisa’s new Pomeranian puppy, Tatiana, also kept her company when she was at home recuperating. Beckendorff Junior High students, teachers, and administrators brought the Valdivia family to tears when they raised money to buy Analisa a wig after her waist-length hair fell out during chemotherapy. Instead of keeping the left over money, Analisa donated it to other kids in her situation– another indication of her strong character.

A Sunshine Kid
Analisa’s involvement with Sunshine Kids has allowed her to meet Houston Astro, Craig Biggio. “He talked to me and asked me questions. He took time to listen to me,” beams Analisa. She also took a trip with the Rockets to San Antonio, staying at the historic Menger Hotel and “hugging a really tall Rockets player, Yao Ming,” she remembers with a smile. Sunshine Kids is an organization that hosts a variety of activities, programs and events for kids who are receiving cancer treatments.

Katy Steps Up
The Katy community rallied around Analisa and her family, hosting a fundraiser for the family called Dancers Against Cancer. Many Katy area dance groups performed for a large crowd at Cinco Ranch High School. Proceeds helped pay for Analisa’s medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. Donations can still be made to any Bank of America or Hibernia Bank in the name of Analisa Valdivia.

A New Day
Today Analisa is doing great. She has been able to return to many of the activities she enjoys, assisting with makeup for a school play, or acting in a theatre production at the Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center. She also appreciates the simple pleasures like seeing a butterfly or jumping on rocks across the creek behind Cinco Ranch Library with friends Sarah and Tara, or even joking with her mother. Barbara says Analisa never complained during the whole process and continues to keep a positive attitude. Analisa takes oral chemotherapy and has blood work done monthly and bone marrow samples every three months. After three chemotherapies, Analisa responded well to treatment and is in remission. “She is doing “really really well,” smiles Barbara.